Illustration of a christmas market scene (MAKRS Holiday Fest)
Christmas Markets

MAKRS Holiday Fest

Visitors can shop from more than 200 local vendors and sample offerings from food trucks, desserts, coffee, beer, wine, and bubbly. The festival also features live music, DJ sets, and family activities in downtown Raleigh.

What to Expect

Holiday market featuring over 200 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Raleigh

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

The MAKRS Society

Food & Drink

Food trucks and alcoholic beverages are part of the event.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Fayetteville Street
Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: Event: 11am–6pm. DJ K Stones: 11AM-6PM; Triangle Sax Ensemble: 11AM-12:45PM; Stilt Walker: 12PM-4PM; Life Size Igloo: 12PM-5PM; Holiday Wrestling Matches: 12PM-6PM, with matches on the hour from 12 to 5PM; Trombone Christmas: 1:15PM-2PM; TBD: 2:30PM-3PM, 3:30PM-4PM, 4:30PM-5PM and 5:30PM-6PM.
  • Parking: Street parking is available in downtown Raleigh in designated street parking areas.

Tips & Advice

  • Park only in designated street parking spots, or use a nearby deck such as Cabarrus, Moore Square or City Center/Red Hat within a short walk.
  • Grab a free RSVP online before the day, since RSVPs close on the day of the fest.
  • Come hungry and thirsty, because food trucks, alcohol and other beverages are part of the fest alongside the 200+ vendors.
  • Makers who want a spot should apply now, since festival vendor applications are open and acceptance emails go out about two months before the event.
  • Food truck owners and musicians who want to take part should email info@makrs.com to reach the event coordinator.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do?

Shop from 200+ vendors, enjoy food trucks, live music and drinks, and try the activities for families.

Is there food and drink?

Yes, there are food trucks plus alcohol and other beverages.

Where should I park?

Use designated street parking downtown, or a deck within a 5–10 minute walk. Options include Cabarrus Deck, Moore Square, City Center/Red Hat, the Municipal Complex and Performing Arts.

How can I become a vendor?

Festival vendor applications are open on the MAKRS website. Acceptance and waitlist emails go out about two months before the event, and MLM vendors aren't accepted.

I have a food truck or play music. How can I take part?

Email info@makrs.com and the event coordinator will get in touch.

Tags

holiday marketfamily friendlylive musicfood trucksartisanal productscommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesfree eventholiday shopping

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team